The Scottish FA's key match incident (KMI) panel has ruled that Celtic's match-winning penalty at Motherwell last week, which helped them secure the Scottish Premiership title, should not have been awarded. The decision has reignited debate over the use of VAR in Scottish football.
Controversial Penalty Decision
Celtic were awarded a spot-kick deep into stoppage time at Fir Park with the score at 2-2. Kelechi Iheanacho converted the penalty, giving Celtic a 3-2 victory. The win altered the dynamics of the final day of the season, which ultimately became a direct shootout for the title between Celtic and Hearts.
VAR official Andrew Dallas intervened, advising referee John Beaton to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. Dallas believed Motherwell winger Sam Nicholson had handled the ball in the air, although replays suggested the ball had struck Nicholson's head rather than his hand.
Impact on Title Race
A draw would have meant Celtic needed to beat Hearts on the final day by a three-goal margin to claim the title. Instead, the late win at Motherwell meant a simple victory would suffice. Celtic went on to beat Hearts 3-1, retaining their crown. However, the VAR call has now been deemed incorrect by the KMI panel.
The panel confirmed that referee Beaton's initial decision not to award a penalty was correct, and the VAR intervention was an error. This has left Hearts, who finished second, even more frustrated.
Backlash and Security Concerns
The penalty award sparked intense backlash, with Hearts manager Derek McInnes describing it as "disgusting." Beaton was placed under police protection after his personal details were leaked online. This was the second major VAR decision to go against Hearts in the final weeks of the season. The KMI panel also ruled that Steven McLean was wrong not to award Hearts a penalty in a 1-1 draw with Motherwell, a result that ultimately cost them the title.
Celtic's Final Day Victory
Celtic's 3-1 win on the final day was a nervy affair. Daizen Maeda did not put them 2-1 ahead until four minutes from time, as the Bhoys were forced to come from behind. A stoppage-time third goal led to a pitch invasion, which Hearts condemned as they work with Police Scotland.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill defended the original penalty decision, stating it "looks as if it's a pretty clear cut" and citing handball and an elbow. However, the KMI panel's ruling has cast doubt on that assessment.
